Peterborough College has officially opened its new Centre for Green Technology, a £13.5 million low-carbon facility designed to prepare students for careers in sustainability and emerging technologies.

The building, completed by contractor Clegg Construction, is set to play a key role in equipping future generations with the skills needed in high-growth industries like green technology, alternative energy, and electric vehicle technology.

The three-storey, 2,435 square metre centre, built on the college’s main campus off Park Crescent, features modern construction methods, emerging technologies, and alternative heat sources in its design and curriculum. The project aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for roles in sustainability and contribute to the growing green economy.

Ed Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of Inspire Education Group, which operates the college, praised Clegg Construction's work throughout the project. "Clegg Construction has been a brilliant construction partner throughout this project," said Thomas. "From the moment they came onboard, they have worked in collaboration to deliver value engineering savings without impacting the quality of the build. They have worked closely with our student body to provide learning opportunities and add value to the wider college. It’s been a pleasure to work with Clegg Construction to deliver this flagship project for IEG."

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Clegg Construction's relationship with the college and the local community has been central to the project’s success. During the build, the contractor provided work experience opportunities for students, hosted behind-the-scenes tours as part of the Open Doors 2024 initiative, and welcomed local representatives, including Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, to visit the site. The company also scored a perfect 45/45 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme, with monitor Peter Johnson noting the company's commitment to health and safety and its proactive approach to promoting construction as a career.

Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction, said: "We are pleased to be handing over the exciting new Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College to Inspire Education Group. This project, which will make a real difference to the future, is the latest in a significant number of educational schemes that Clegg Construction has delivered. During our time at this busy, live site, we were committed to engaging with the college and its community, providing opportunities and support to students, and it is very encouraging to hear such positive feedback from the college."

The project was funded with support from several partners, including £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Funds scheme and £2.471 million from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

Alongside Clegg Construction, the project team included consultant Gleeds, building services consultancy QODA, architects rg+p, and civil and structural engineers Stirling Maynard.